HRDC SUPPORTS YOUNG PROGRAMMERS AT THE NATIONAL ICT FAIR

The need for Information Communication and Technology (ICT) inclusion in the learning curricula cannot be over emphasised. We live in a rapidly changing world and shifts in technology together with stakeholder expectations therefore require learners to be alive to ICT approaches that can help them to excel in the classroom.

In an effort to showcase the innovation and problem solving skills through ICT by young programmers across the Country, Botswana Schools Information Communication and Technology Association (BOSICTA) has yet again hosted the National ICT Fair for Primary, Junior and Senior Schools. The aim of the Association is to promote the use of ICT in day-to-day problem solving, innovation, teaching and learning processes.

HRDC has been sponsoring this event for the past two years in support of the ICT HRD Sector initiatives. The 2018 National ICT Fair was held in Kanye from the 1st – 4th August 2018 under the theme ‘Attaining Self-reliance through ICT’. Speaking during the official opening, Mr Kobamelo Mogampane, the Chairperson of BOSICTA indicated that their mandate is to actively encourage research in ICT, promote the science and art of IT and to develop

competence of members through their code of conduct. ‘‘In a quest to develop our human resource, we have as BOSICTA partnered with Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) in developing teachers in basic computing skills. It is worth noting that, through this partnership 326 and 321 Educators were trained in 2016 and 2017 respectively. It is our sincere belief that if the Teachers have the right skills, then the Learners will be better equipped in the area of ICT’’, emphasised Mr Mogampane.